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National Surfing Reserve

Smiths Beach

Image: Smiths Beach, Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

Overview

National Surfing Reserve

With a surfing history dating back to the 1920s, when the sport was still in its infancy, Phillip Island has long been a Victorian favourite of grommets (beginners) and seasoned board riders alike. Declared a National Surfing Reserve in recognition of its quality surf breaks and pristine environment, Phillip Island offers four sites along its coast: Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay.

Boasting big wave conditions, left and right breaks, as well as plenty of small, consistent waves that are suitable for learners the island's beaches are home to a vibrant local surfing community of all ages and skill levels. So hit the water and learn new skills, get in some practice, or test your mettle out in the big swells.

Woolamai

A favourite of locals and visiting surfers, Woolamai has a number of quality beach breaks stretching from Magic Lands to Forrest Caves and is at its best when the swell is at 0.5 to 2 metres with a south-east to north-west wind.

Magic Lands
Head down to the eastern end of Woolamai beach for right and left breaks, protected from the sea breezes, which makes it good for afternoon surfing.

Second car park or Clubhouse
Another right or left beach break, opposite the Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club.

First car park or Anzacs
Located opposite the first car park at Woolamai, this beach break has right and left breaks.

Aussie Track
Make your way 150 metres east of the Colonnades/Ocean Reach access point to find the beach break peeling right and left.

Ocean Reach or Airport Reef
Opposite the access stairs to the Colonnades/Ocean Reach beach, this beach break has right and left breaks.

Forrest Caves
Opposite the Forrest Caves car park boasting right and left breaks.

Smiths

Enjoy big wave barrelling at Express Point, a challenging reef break on Phillip Island or settle into the mellower waves found at Smiths Beach and YCW Beach. Smiths Beach and Beachcomber Beach are popular with surf schools and beginners because of the consistent waves and flat sand bottom.

Express Point
With best conditions during autumn and winter, this right–only reef break works on a mid to high tide.

Smiths Beach
This beach break works on all tides and has right and left breaks.

Beachcomber Beach or YCW
A right-only beach break that works on a low to mid tide.

Summerland

Phillip Island's famous Summerland Beach is the birthplace of the region's surf scene as well as home to the island's iconic little penguins.

With a reef break that works in the high tides, large swells and strong winds of the winter months, the waves have been surfed here since the invention of the sport. A great option when all other beaches are blown out by the wintery conditions.

Centre Break
A reef break just east of the Penguin Parade viewing area that requires a 2–metre plus swell and a north to westerly wind.

Summerland's Point
Best suited to long boards and mals, this reef break is found directly in front of the Penguin Parade viewing area. Best with a 2–metre plus swell and a north to westerly wind.

Cat Bay

Grab your boards and hit Cat Bay for good quality left and right hand reef breaks that suit the big swells. Conditions are best during the summer months when the swell is bigger than 2 metres and the wind is south to east. A great option when the south–facing Island Beaches are onshore.

Flynn's Reef
The stand out – this reef break works well on all tides and peels right.

The Bombie
A sand bar break with a left break and best suited to low to mid tide in 2 metre plus swells.

Left Point
Set out at low to mid tide for best results at this point break that peels left.

The Hump
Try your luck at this reef break that breaks right and left. Suits big swells at low to mid tide.

Shelley Beach
Make your way to the bottom of Cat Bay to this reef break that has a right and left. Works nicely throughout the year in moderate to big swells at mid to high tide.